Bill Hicks

Possibly the most confrontational standup comic of his era, Bill Hicks perhaps was also the most confessional comic of his time. His rants are more like dissertations with jokes thrown in for good measure. On his first CD release from 1990, Dangerous, Hicks unleashes on the audience his thoughts about homelessness ("Modern Bummer"), smoking ("Smoking"), drugs ("The War on Drugs"), the state of rock & roll ("We Live in a World..."), and the decline of intellectualism ("Flying Saucer Tour") in late-'80s America. He also talks about his relationship with his family ("My Parents") and his fascination with pornography ("Please Do Not Disturb"). Hicks doesn't compromise with his audience. He is bound to offend just about anybody who listens to him, but for every offense taken, there are numerous philosophical truths he points out while simultaneously forcing his audience into convulsions of gut laughter. Dangerous sets the tone for the rest of his standup CDs. And while Dangerous may seem dark and cynical, it will seem optimistically sunny compared to what follows. ~ Brian Flota, All Music Guide